Ince set to become Blackburn boss
Paul Ince is set to be named as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers, according to BBC Radio 5 Live.
The MK Dons boss is Rovers' number one target following Mark Hughes' departure, despite Sam Allardyce being interviewed for the role.
Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren has also been linked with a move to Ewood Park.
Rovers chairman John Williams says he expects an announcement to be made over the next few days.
"We are now down to a small short-list," Williams told BBC Radio Lancashire. "I am delighted with how the process is going and we hope to make a decision by the weekend.
"We have steadily gone about our business in the proper manner but we have not yet made an offer to anyone at this stage."
BBC Radio 5 Live reporter Juliette Ferrington said: "The former England captain has always been a target of Blackburn and the MK Dons are expecting the situation to be resolved in the next few days.
"That would tie in with the bookies who, in the last 24 hours, have made Ince firm favourite to succeed Hughes.
606: DEBATE
Langdaleblue
"Sam Allardyce has also been interviewed for the job but I understand he is likely to miss out in favour of Ince."
Six candidates have been interviewed to succeed Hughes, who left Rovers for Manchester City on 5 June, with Ince, McClaren and former Bolton and Newcastle manager Allardyce regarded as the leading candidates.
McClaren has been out of work since he was sacked by England in November after they failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and he told Radio 5 Live on 7 June that he would be interested in the Blackburn job.
Ince has had an impressive season with MK Dons after moving from Macclesfield in June last year.
The 40-year-old former West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool midfielder led MK Dons to the League Two title as well as the Football League Trophy in his first season with the club.
His achievements attracted the interest of Leicester City, who made an official approach to the MK Dons for Ince's services earlier this month.
Blackburn would need special dispensation to appoint Ince as he does not yet have the Uefa Pro Licence coaching qualification.
Uefa and Premier League rules require anyone wishing to manage in the top flight to hold the Uefa Pro Licence, which requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.
The Premier League could block his appointment, although Gareth Southgate got the green light to manage Middlesbrough two years ago without being licensed.
And League Managers' Association chief executive Richard Bevan insists he will not lobby against Ince's appointment.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackburn_rovers/7463294.stm